U.S. Targets Two Chinese Companies Over Forced Labor Practices

The United States has banned certain goods produced by two China-based companies as part of efforts to eradicate forced labor practices in the U.S. supply chain, prompting Beijing to issue a warning to implement measures to protect the rights of Chinese companies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated in a press release on Tuesday that its action targets Camel Group Company Limited, a battery manufacturer, and Qingyuan Biotechnology Group Limited, which produces spices and natural extracts. The ban will take effect starting Wednesday. The department added that this measure aims to enhance accountability for the "ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity" against the Uyghur minority and other religious and ethnic minorities in the autonomous region of Xinjiang. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Wednesday, "What is called ‘forced labor’ in Xinjiang is nothing but a century-old lie fabricated by anti-China forces to tarnish its reputation." The ministry condemned the ban strongly and announced that it would take measures to protect the rights and interests of its companies, without providing further details.